Running in the Snow

Running in snow requires a different running form. I can't run with a heel strike without consequences since this would make me slip. Instead I have to use shorter quicker strides and have my foot fall flat on the ground with horizontal strokes forward as I do while cross country skiing. I've been told many times about the problems caused from using a heel strike running form. When I started running, I would take long strides and it would cause my ankles to get sore followed by my knees and then my hips and back. It was so painful, I asked Vince about it back in April and he told me to change my stride. It worked really well and on my purchase of shoes at Runner's Corner in Orem, they looked at my shoes and told me that the wear on my shoes showed my gait was correct. That was validation indeed since my shoes cannot lie.

I like variety. Hot, cold, wet or dry; why stay indoors when there are so many more options for training outdoors? I purchased my first pair of ear muffs yesterday to complement my hat and scarf. If it is really cold, I have a neoprene face shield to protect more of my face.

During my morning commute run (1 mile) to the bus stop, I did a quick spot check and observed my heart rate was 148 bpm. I am commuting during my Christmas vacation to the gym to keep continuity and I have a triathlon class to attend. I love being able to track my body's metrics using a heart rate monitor. I still need to procure an IR (infared) to USB data device so I can download data from my watch from home. This ability to track my data and analyze it with detailed reports is compelling. It generates the same enthusiam in me as I experience for role playing games like Oblivion. I work harder, endure lack of sleep and food to accomplish my next goal. Analyzing how a workout compares today with one I did a month ago is as rewarding as "leveling" up. However, the reward is a magnitude higher as I can feel my fitness level increase, my abs and gluts tighten and when I start placing in races.

I also use Runkeeper Pro on my iPhone. It tracks and computes my running speed and where I am and can show me my route on a map. My goal is to start posting reports here.

One more short run to finish my commute.

Location:Beetdigger Blvd,Sandy,United States